Parent Training Troop Level The Journey Troop 149

Parent Training - Troop Level The Journey Troop 149 Cherokee District NE Georgia Council

Parent Training - Goals Familiarize • To introduce or reintroduce information about Troop 149 and Scouting • To make Troop 149 adults feel comfortable accepting leadership roles in the Troop, District or Council Coordinate • To assure that we’re all working toward the same goals and using Scouting methods

Council Properties Offices Administrative offices, Scout Shop, Jefferson, GA & Lawrenceville, GA Camps Camp Rainey Mountain, Camp Rotary, Scoutland

Council/District Communications Web sites http: //www. nega-bsa. org http: //www. cherokee-bsa. org/ Newsletter (The Flyer) District Adult Leader Roundtable

Council/District Opportunities There are leadership opportunities waiting for you at the District and Council level You do not have to be an experienced Scouter to be an effective leader at the District or Council level – you just have to be willing to invest a little time into Scouting

Mission It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law. Scouting is A Values Based Program Aims · Character Development – To build self-reliance, selfdiscipline, self-confidence and selfrespect · Citizenship – To foster love of community, country and world, along with a commitment of service to others and an understanding of democratic principles. · Personal Fitness – To develop social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness and physical health that will stay with a Scout for the rest of his life.

Troop 149 History Troop 49 was chartered to Friendship Chapel Presbyterian in May, 1947. Sometime in 1953 or 1954 the Scoutmaster moved away and the troop folded. Troop number 49 was assigned to another unit. The troop was rechartered to Friendship Presbyterian Church in May of 1959 as Troop 149 under Scoutmaster Starr Lee. Troop 149 has met continuously since that time and will celebrate its 50 th birthday in 2009. Paul Matthews became Scoutmaster in August of 1994. We are the largest troop in the Cherokee District (Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Madison, Morgan, Greene, Franklin, Hart and Elbert Counties).

Troop 149 Communications Listserv T 149 -L@listserv. uga. edu Web site http: //www. oconeetroop 149. org/ Troop Committee Meetings Troop Meetings Patrol Leaders

Troop 149 Communications

Troop 149 Communications Website: Managed by Doug Kemp (vetpharm@uga. edu) • Troop Calendar • Patrol & troop rosters • Troop master documents • “Big Trip” archives & information • Troop history • Note, youth last names not included on web!

Troop 149 Communications Listserv – Email distributed to everybody – Web accessible – Archived –Youth can be added if desired

Troop 149 Communications Listserv • Posts directly relate to the troop or scouting • Use the subject line so people can delete • Email to an individual should be directed to that individual (default reply is to the list-- careful!) • Do not include the original email in your replies • Use plain text format • Do not send graphics files to the list

The New Scout ü Registration form ü Troop information form ü Medical form ü Permission form ü Activity fee ($50, 2 nd in same family discounted)

The New Scout What to buy Field Uniform (with patches) Handbook Camping gear (carefully) Activity uniform (Troop) Troop 149 hat (1 st one free)

The New Scout Money Matters The Scout Account Fund Raisers

Recharter § December/January § Troop information form § Permission form § Update medical form § Activity fee

Adult Leadership Structure Charter Organization (Men of the Church) Troop Committee Scoutmaster Assistant Scoutmasters

Troop Committee • 7: 00 pm on the 4 th Thursday of each month • Decisions about the direction of the troop take place • Active participation in the troop committee will help you understand the Scouting program which can help you guide your Scout through the program • Parents and Scouts of Troop 149 are encouraged to attend. Attire is casual, except for Scouts presenting service project proposals who should be in full uniform

Troop Committee You do not have to be an experienced Scouter to be an effective Committee Member Positions include Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Publicity, Quartermaster, Advancement, Fund-raising, Service Projects, Training, Med Forms, Trip Coordination, etc.

Adult Leadership • The Adult’s Role in a Troop Program is Safety – Two Deep Leadership – Training for All Adults • • • Fast Start Video Safe Scouting Unit Video Youth Protection Training Roundtables BSA Online Training Center at http: //olc. scouting. org/

Adult Leadership - Safety – – – No Guns No Sheath Knives No People Ride in Truck Beds No Liquid Fuels on Camp Fires No Initiations, Snipe Hunts, Gauntlets, Hazing, etc. – Ensure Appropriate Activities (no Jet. Skis, paintball, etc. ) – BSA Guide to Safe Scouting is our “bible” for Scouting safety

Adult Leadership • The Adult’s Role in a Troop Program is Mentoring – Setting the Example – Model Behavior There is no more effective way to teach young people appropriate behavior than to model appropriate behavior

Adult Leadership – Role Modeling – No Smoking in front of Scouts – No Alcoholic Beverages – No Swearing or Inappropriate Jokes – Model the Scout Oath and Law in our own behavior – Support youth leadership development

Adult Training: Committee • Troop – Parent Orientation – Youth Protection/Safe Scouting (online) • Position Specific – New Leader Essentials – Troop Committee Challenge (online) • Outdoor Training – Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills (recommended)

Adult Training: ASM • Troop – Parent Orientation – Youth Protection/Safe Scouting (online) • Position Specific – New Leader Essentials – ASM Leader Specific Training • Outdoor Training – Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills (required)

Adult Training Roundtable (monthly) Other opportunities at District, Council: Some Advance-A-Ramas University of Scouting Wood Badge: Highly Recommended!

Adult Training Other training available to help lead activities, such as: • Safe Swim Defense • Safety Afloat • Trek Safely • Climb On Safely • CPR • Wilderness First Aid

Adult Recognition • Adults can also earn recognition in Scouting! • Knots, badges, certificates and other forms of recognition for adult service • Listed on our troop web site • Most require training & service

Youth Leadership Structure SPL: Overall leader ASPLs: Assist SPL, in charge of appointed positions and patrol competitions PLs: Run patrol; Guides give support Instructors: help teach Jr. Asst. Scoutmasters: Eagle + past SPL Appointed positions focus on specific areas: QM, Scribe, Chaplain’s Aide, Bugler, Librarian, Historian, OA Representative, Den Chief…

Youth Leadership Structure Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) (meets monthly to plan) Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) ASPLs - Scribe – JASMs – Instructors Troop Guides – Patrol Leaders

Youth-Led Troop “Don’t Do Anything for a Scout that he can do himself” -Baden-Powell • The Patrol Leaders Council Runs the Show – Changes in program need to go to the SPL • Adults Mentor Youth Leaders (ongoing opportunities for volunteering here!) • Meetings appear less organized than Cub Scouts (but good things are happening)

Youth-Led Patrol • Patrol Leader – Is responsible for the well-being of his patrol members – Communicates to patrol members – Appoints APL – Patrol Scribe – Patrol Quartermaster – Patrol name, flag, yell; patches

Personal Growth • Between 10 and 18, boys experience dramatic physical and emotional growth • The Importance of Belonging • Adults Who Listen • Service Projects • A Chance to Embark on Adventure • Meeting People from Different Backgrounds • Duty to God - Respecting Others’ Beliefs

Break

Discipline • All the Scouts are Learning • Scouts Mature at Different Rates • We Nurture and Model Respect, not Drill it into the Scouts

Discipline § Junior Leaders will handle discipline initially § Serious, Unsafe, or Recurring Negative Activity Ø Scoutmaster Ø Other adult leader Ø Troop Committee

Leadership Development • Main Job of Scoutmaster and ASMs – Mentor the Junior Leaders • Junior Leader Training • Empowering Youth to be Leaders – Start slow – They will make mistakes – Maturity takes time, and different boys mature at different rates

Leadership Development They might not do it the way you would do it, but ‘is the job being done? ’

Leadership Development Patrol Method “It is up to the patrol leader to take hold of and to develop the qualities of each boy in his patrol. It sounds like a big order, but in practice it works. ” - Baden-Powell

Leadership Development Patrol Method “An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual. ” - Robert S. S. Baden-Powell • “The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method” -Baden-Powell

Leadership Development

Leadership Development • Elections for Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders occur about every 6 months (April/Oct) • Appointed positions selected at that time

Leadership Projects Scouts not holding an elected or appointed leadership position can perform a leadership project for Star or Life rank requirements (this is separate from a Service project- leadership projects benefit the troop)

Youth Training: • PLC Training – Patrol Leader’s Handbook – Building Your Team – Circle of Leadership • Den Chief Training – Council program

Youth Training • Troop – 6 -8 hours • District – Weekend • Council – Weeklong Conference • National Youth Leadership Training Camp

Uniform • Wearing the Uniform Helps Scouts Develop a Sense of Belonging • All Members are Equal to Each Other

Uniforms • The field uniform (sometimes called “Class A”) is worn at all formal troop functions, including troop meetings, scoutmaster conferences, boards of review and courts of honor • The field uniform is required for travel on troop outings • Field uniform includes scout shirt, pants, belt, socks, hat and all patches and badges • Adults (ASMs) too!

Uniforms • The activity uniform (sometimes called “Class B”) is worn during troop activities when the field uniform is inappropriate • Activity uniform shirts and troop hats can be purchased from the troop

Outdoors Outcome • Three Quarters of SCOUTING is OUTING • Improved Physical Fitness • Growth in ability to take care of themselves • A sense of communion with nature • Greater appreciation for the outdoors • At least one trip each month is our goal!

Outdoors • Advancement happens at outings – We have time for advancement – Advancement is designed to be done outdoors • Adventure happens at outings – This is why the Scouts join a troop • Scouting happens at outings

Outdoors

Camping Trip Guidelines Scout camping is not family camping • No younger siblings • Scout methods and youth leadership • Patrol trips also possible • Trips part of annual calendar • Support/planning by adults

Camping Trip Guidelines – – – – Who can participate Must attend Tuesday before trip Duty Roster Menu/shopping Tour permit Packing No electronics, aerosols, sheath knives, dangerous items, junk food – SPL in charge – Go as a group, return as a group– not possible to only attend part of a trip – “Scouts own” worship service

Camping Trip Guidelines – Must have current medical form on file/along – Adults, too – Must have current permission form on file – We have on our website, guidelines for planning trips, for the adult coordinators

Camping Trip Guidelines Allow/teach your Scout to cook AT HOME to continue to develop their skills! (On trips, Scouts are the cooks!)

Scout Medical Insurance – Accident/Sickness coverage – Excess coverage only – File claims through Jefferson office – $15, 000 limit

Shopping Guidelines – Scout does the shopping – Scout stays within budget – Scout makes necessary substitutions – Don’t forget paper towels, trash bags, condiments, if needed – Might require two trips – one to see how much items cost and one to purchase – Shopper is responsible for providing coolers, ice, unless otherwise arranged

Event Payment Guidelines – Expenses covered by participants – Paid before the activity – Budget approximately 10% overhead – Nonrefundable, but usually transferable – Some big trips require multiple payments and special agreements – Can use Scout Accounts

Adult Reimbursement – Drivers are partially reimbursed for travel related expenses for some trips (but not most trips) – Reimbursements must be included in the trip budget by the trip coordinator

Outdoor Etiquette – We will leave outdoor areas in better shape than we found them – Low Impact – Leave No Trace Principles – The Outdoor Code – Mentor, Mentor (don’t throw apple cores, orange peels in fire, in woods, etc. !)

Advancement

Summer Camp at CRM

Advancement • It’s Fun • Offers Adventure • Provides Recognition of Skills Learned • Is Non-Competitive • Promotes Development of Physical Fitness, Character, and Citizenship

Steps Repeated for Each Rank • A Scout Learns – On outings and at meetings at his own pace • A Scout is Tested – By ASMs or Senior Scouts • A Scout is Reviewed – By the Scoutmaster then Board of Review • A Scout is Recognized – At Court of Honor

Scoutmaster Conference • Completed before the Board of Review • To assure that the Scout has completed the requirements • To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit • To set a goal for the next rank

Boards of Review • To make sure the Scout has completed the requirements for the rank • To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit • To encourage the Scout to progress further • It is not a test or a re-test! • Parents/committee members on board, not SM or ASMs

Before Boards of Review • Review joining requirements in front of Handbook (Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, Outdoor Code, etc. ) • Review what you have done since the last BOR • Make sure uniform is complete and correct (including socks, hat, patches, etc. ) • Bring handbook to BOR • Bring merit badge sash for Star, Life, Eagle

Confidence Building confidence through measurement • Self confidence is developed by measuring up to a challenge or a standard • Peer confidence develops when the same measuring system is used for everyone - when all must meet the same challenge to receive equal recognition • Confidence in leaders comes about when there is consistency in measuring - when leaders use a single standard of fairness

Boards of Review Participation in Boards of Review will teach you about Scouting

Advancement • Most advancement happens at outings and meetings • Joining to First Class takes about a year • Scouts progress at different speeds • Scout tracks his progress in back of his Boy Scout Handbook • Keep merit badge and rank advancement cards in a safe place • Advancement chair tracks with Troop. Master software

Tenderfoot to First Class • Goal is to complete in first year in program • Additional support by ASM for New Scouts (Will Dix) • Camp Rainey Mountain, regular camping trips, Scout meetings, special events… • Older Scouts and adults help provide instruction

Onward to Eagle • • At own pace-- but before turn 18! Merit badges (“required” and not) Leadership positions Service projects

Merit Badges • Can earn merit badges at any rank • List of troop merit badge counselors, who teach or review/verify completion • Counselors must register with Council • Use buddy system and two deep leadership

Merit Badges • Requirements don’t “expire” even if not completed fully all at once • Parents can teach requirements for merit badges and rank advancement, but…Registered counselor for troop has final approval • If you are interested in teaching a merit badge to your Scout, you should be registered, and offer the merit badge to other Scouts as well • Some exceptions & concerns

Troop Courts of Honor • Recognition of Advancement • Rank advancement and merit badge cards distributed • Adult awards and recognitions • Twice a year (Feb, Sept. )

Eagle Courts of Honor • Ceremony for individual Scout • Lots of help from the entire troop • Work with Eagle Coordinator (Don Wells) • As often as is needed

Service Projects • Participation required for 2 nd class • Troop recommends independent projects for Star and Life • Independent project required for Eagle

Service Projects • Demonstrate leadership • Outwardly directed to meet community need • Do not have to be based on original ideas • List of contacts & past projects on web site • Scout responsible to plan, direct and follow the project through to successful completion

Service Projects • Approval required before work begins (troop committee for Star, Life, plus District for Eagle) • Check work dates (Masters) • Documentation during project (pictures, registers) • Service project report after completion • Send picture and write up to newspapers & website

Service Projects • Are you demonstrating leadership of others? • What will you need to do to be sure that you, not your parent or some other adult, is the one who is in charge of the project? • Are you the indeed the project director, rather than doing the work yourself? • Is the project helpful to the religious institution, school or community group? • Is the project following the plan? If not, what changes are being made?

Beyond Eagle • Eagle Palms • Troop Leadership

Other Opportunities Order of the Arrow

Other Opportunities Young American Award Conservation Related Awards William T. Hornaday awards World Conservation Award Leave No Trace Award

Other Opportunities Religious Awards Youth Adult

Other Opportunities

Involvement Just a reminder that it may take a while before you feel fully knowledgeable about everything– don’t worry– keep asking questions, become involved, and make suggestions if you see ways for us to improve as a troop!

Sco. Uting Thanks for all YOU do!!